TMB response to my 103ng/ml EtG

[Guest guest]

After my couple of paragraphs whining, I retyped in the body of the

letter I recieved today from the Texas Medical Board.

Consequent to this letter my wife no longer believes she should move

to Texas. My job security is not apparent, and no amount of effort I

make protects me from another positive EtG. In New York she at least

has a stable job and income. I am unable to secure New York licensure

while under board order in Texas. Texas functionally monitors their

physicians forever. Perhaps it's unwise for me to post this

information. Right now, all I care about is people knowing I did not

consume alcohol and lead the most compulsive alcohol exposure-free

life a hospital based physician can possibly lead; yet, I tested

positive for EtG.

For those needing help reading between the lines; the following letter

essentially communicates any future positive EtG will result in

license revocation. When I am already doing all I can do (and I

gurantee few, if any, are more compulsive than I about this), yet

still have a positive EtG, it's impossible to enjoy professional security.

I've got so much work to do, but simply can't focus right now. My

wife is screaming at me, " Are you sure you've done nothing to get a

positive test?! " . I completely understand her position. I just feel

old-fashioned despondent. I'm glad this group exists. It feels odd

finding comfort at a computer, but like others, people at my meetings

nod their heads while nonverbally indicating, " I just don't know about

you. "

Dr. DiBona,

On September 8th, 2006 I received notification from Compliance

Specialist, Rui Bernardo, TMB, Austin, TX that the results of your

drug screen for August 29th, 2006 was Positive for the Ethyl

Glucuronide alcohol metabolite in the amount of 103ng/ml.

I have received your letter of explanation dated September 11, 2006.

Notwithstanding your written explanation, your positive test is a

violation of paragraph 3, page 4 of your Agreed Board Order.

This letter represents a documented warning to advise you to avoid

repeating this situation in the future and to strictly follow the drug

program rules. Failure to heed this warning may result in additional

disciplinary action being taken against your medical license. This

letter also represents the conclusion of this recent event and no

additional correspondence from you is required.

Sincerely,

A. Tomeo, RN, MS

Compliance Office/Senior Investigator

Cc

Mari , JD

Director of Enforcement

Texas Medical Board

333 Guadalupe, Tower 3, Suite 610

Austin TX 78701-3998